Dog Keeps Licking Anus After Grooming – Why Is That?

In this research you will know the answer to the query “Dog Keeps Licking Anus After Grooming – Why Is That?“.

After grooming many pet parents wonder why their dog keeps licking his anus.

Is that why the dogs bum looks all red and irritated?

It wasnot quite what they expected.

The beauty salon is a most pleasant experience for us humans and we leave all glowing and happy. 

In contrast to a regular salon appointment a grooming session is far more intrusive not to mention that your pooch cannot complain if he is rough-handled or nicks his skin.

Lets find out why your dog is licking his anus like there is no tomorrow after a grooming session has gone wrong.

Close shave

Occasionally pet owners ask their groomer to trim a bit of hair around their dogs eyes or legs.

You may want to remove your dogs thick coat when summer arrives if it has a thick coat.

In other words the groomer will shave the dog all over including his most sensitive areas.

There may be no fault on the groomers part.

When shaving how many times have you cut yourself?

If your dog licks his bum excessively after grooming you can assume he has a small cut bothering him.

Alternatively it may be some kind of skin irritation and hes focusing on the more sensitive area around the anus. 

What to do if the dog’s bum is red after grooming?

It is possible that the dog is suffering from some sort of skin irritation if his anus is red after grooming.

The redness could very well be caused by his obsessive licking or the grooming process.

It does not matter how you do it you have to help the poor man. It is possible to achieve this by preparing a soothing bath such as one with oatmeal.

You should not ignore your dogs protests when he has to take another bath so soon after the grooming session.

You should only use lukewarm water. It does not make any sense to give him hot water when hes already irritated in the rear. 

In contrast you should prevent your dog from licking himself as this can only exacerbate the problem. 

Put an Elizabethan collar around your dogs neck to prevent him from licking his bum but he may perceive this as adding insult to injury. It is common for dogs to dislike these types of devices. Obviously.

Try to distract him from the annoying sensation of itching and burning in his privates if you have time. 

• Do not let other dogs get too close to your dogs butt when you take him for a long walk. It is a get-to-know-you ritual for dogs but under certain circumstances they may react angrily. 
• Get your dog to play with you. Engage in a game of fetch with his favorite ball.
• Give a bone to your dog. There is nothing that distracts a dog like that. A nice juicy bone in the freezer would be a good choice right now. In addition to satisfying his chewing instinct it will give him something to think about and exhaust him. 

In order to heal the irritated area it is crucial to get the dog so tired that he sleeps soundly.

Watch out for signs of infection

It is unpleasant to have skin irritation but it will go away on its own. Alternatively if the dog keeps licking his anus after grooming he might draw blood and leave the area vulnerable to bacteria. In case the situation does not improve and swelling or pus is evident it is no longer a wait-and-see situation. You can try to disinfect the area by using betadine solution or if that fails saline solution. Alcohol should not be consumed! 

When the area is reasonably clean apply an antibiotic ointment preferably a canine preparation but you can use anything you have in your medicine cabinet. If the dog licks its anal area afterward do not worry about it. He would not be harmed by some antibiotic ointment.

Take your dog to the vet if you do not see any improvement in the coming days.

Why is my dog dragging his bum after grooming?

Dogs that drag their bums or scoot tend to do so to relieve itchiness. There may be a weird feeling in the newly shaved area even if there is not a cut.

Theres also the possibility that his anal glands are malfunctioning. This icky problem may make the dog upset if you ask the groomer to handle it for you. It is also possible that the groomer was too rough or inexperienced when expressing the anal sacs which resulted in the dog being injured. 

You may again try a soothing bath or taking the dog outside to make him forget what was done to him at the grooming parlor if the area appears red and sore. 

Be on the lookout for the next bowel movement. Your dog may seem uncomfortable while doing his business if he yells in pain or strains more than usual. The dog should be taken to the vet if his feces contain blood. His rear end will have to be examined again but this cannot be avoided. There is a possibility that the sac has ruptured and an infection could result. 

Why is my dog sitting after grooming?

The same thing applies. When your dog sits there with his butt pressed against the floor he may be trying to relieve irritation. As a result he will not have to worry about anyone touching his bottom. Furthermore sitting on the floor calms the area dogs butt which may be irritated by the entire procedure. The area isnot being further irritated because hes not licking himself. 

Perhaps hes just trying to make you feel bad for what you have done by staring at you. The groomer did those unspeakable things to him because you took him there. Be extra nice to the dog if hes angry with you pat his head and explain that you only did this for his own benefit. Offer a juicy treat to your dog as a peace offering. 

Obsessive licking as a defense mechanism

Its possible you’re just blaming the groomer for nothing. Your dog might only be licking his butt with a vengeance because he is trying to relieve stress. A dogs brain releases endorphins when he licks himself helping him combat anxiety stress and pain. A bit of self-grooming will do him good especially as his saliva is full of bacteria-killing enzymes.

It is not good for him if it becomes too much and he licks himself raw.

Try to help him relieve anxiety by showing him some love. Try to engage him in chewing his favorite chew toy give him a good belly rub and scratch his ears. 

Reinforce positive feelings about grooming

You should try to make your dog more comfortable with grooming if he is too sensitive or easily scared. You should try this early on before your first grooming appointment.

• Ensure that the dog knows its OK to be handled by experts. As a result you would not have to make as many vet visits as you otherwise would. Whenever you touch the dog all over make sure you are very light and casual as if it were a game. Touch his paws inner thighs and ears frequently play with his nails and stick your finger in his mouth. Your puppy will learn that being touched all over is normal so he would not be stressed when the groomer does it.
• You should accustom your dog to the idea that bath time is fun. Turn on the water hose if you have a garden but make sure the water is not too cold and the pressure is low. Put a smile on your face and use soothing language. You can also fill the bathtub with water throw in a few toys and let the dog play in it. Currently there is no washing to be done.
• Take your dogs usual shampoo with you to the groomer if hes used to getting a bath at home every once in a while. This will make him familiar with the smell and remind him of home bathing times.

Conclusion

Dogs that keep licking their anus after grooming do not have anything to worry about. The chances are that its nothing more than a skin irritation caused by grooming or a minor cut. If your dog is itchy try giving him a soothing bath to relieve the itching. Check his privates periodically to see if theres a change or if you notice any signs of infection. Apply antibiotic ointment if necessary. 

You must also assume your dog did not appreciate the groomer expressing his anal glands if he is scooting after grooming. Its a big difference between the dog being upset and him being in pain. Perhaps the groomer did not do as good a job as you thought so you might want to ask your vet to check your dogs anal sacs just to be sure. 

If you want to read more about dog health tips read here: Dog Health Tips and Tricks.